Jeffrey L. Wilson's Reviews
A retro revival given a modern coat of paint, Mutant Football League sticks to its 16-bit roots and showcases the funnier, gorier, side of American football.
Arc System Works' loving tribute to one of the most popular animated shows of all time is not only an early contender for fighter of the year, but overall game of the year, too.
Rocksmith may resemble Guitar Hero or Rock Band on its surface, but the title is a surprisingly thorough instructional tool that teaches you how to play a real guitar.
An interactive archival look into the groundbreaking Street Fighter series, this collection of a dozen titles is a must-have purchase for genre fans and gaming historians alike.
A retro racing throwback, Horizon Chase Turbo replicates the speed and fun of classic 1990s-style racers.
With Yakuza 0, Sega gives its long-running gangster story the origin it deserves. Featuring brutal combat, hard-boiled drama, and a wacky sense of humor, Yakuza 0 is a beat 'em up classic.
PlayGround Games takes Forza Horizon 3's excellent foundation and builds upon it a new game that exceeds its predecessor in nearly every way. With Forza Horizon 4, Microsoft once again has a genre-defining racing game that drifts close to perfection.
Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner Mars gives the PS2 cult classic mech game updated touches like 4K resolution and VR support. If you played the original game, this release is unlikely to change your opinion.
After a disappointing SoulCalibur V, Bandai Namco has returned from the forge with the newly crafted SoulCalibur VI, a PC fighting game with fresh modes and thrilling gameplay.
Fans of Capcom's classic, side-scrolling brawling games will enjoy these seven action-packed beat 'em ups. Unfortunately, the bundle lacks some high-profile releases, as well as the in-depth design docs found in most retro compilations.
This remaster gives Katamari Damacy the high-definition graphics and keyboard support that you'd expect in a modern PC game, but that's all. Considering the game's excellence, that's just fine.
Team Ninja adds the new offensive- and defensive-minded Break Gauge to its trademark Triangle System. The result is a Dead or Alive title that retains its fan service and boasts additional strategies, but a few issues keep this fighting game from ranking among the genre's best titles.
Featuring improved animations, more body-wrecking moves, and enhanced gameplay, Mortal Kombat 11 is the best entry in the long-running series. Unfortunately, some in-game shop elements, as well as the grind needed to obtain particular items, are annoying.
Contra Anniversary Collection is a solid retro video game bundle for PC that features some of the best run-and-gun titles of the 8- and 16-bit eras, but it lacks many features you'd expect in a contemporary compilation.
Platinum Games' groundbreaking shooter blends dazzling speeds, Matrix-like slow-motion effects, and simple but creative gameplay into one the best shooters ever made.
River City Girls' fisticuffs, stellar presentation, and RPG-elements make it an exciting and fun entry in the long running River City/Kunio-kun series, but a few missteps prevent it from achieving PC gaming greatness.
Kunio and his crew of troublemakers unleash adolescent violence in this new multi-player brawler. Featuring numerous combatants, weapons, and special moves, River City Melee Mach!! may scratch the battle royale itch for people who don't fancy Fortnite or PUBG.
A throwback to classic 16-bit action titles, Blazing Chrome is a run-and-gun game that captures the co-op thrills and tough-as-nails gameplay found in Contra and Metal Slug.
Featuring a huge roster, revamped graphics and sound, and addicting combat, The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match is one of the best fighting games for PCs, despite some omissions.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is a joyous return to form for a series that has fallen on hard times in recent years. Its thrilling gameplay and pulsating energy will satisfy older folks longing for a game type that publishers have ignored this generation, as well as younger people who are looking for a ridiculously entertaining diversion with a blood-pumping, head-nodding punk and hip-hop soundtrack. The gameplay engine, one that defines arcade-style skateboarding, is honed to near-perfection, and will hopefully be the foundation for future Tony Hawk games.